The New York Knicks came up short in the 2022 NBA Summer League Championship against the Portland Trail Blazers, but the week still proved to be a strong showing for the younger players. New York finished 3-2 with both losses coming against Portland.
With a notoriously young roster, hopes were high for the Knicks in Las Vegas. New York’s starting five for all five contests was Deuce McBride, Quentin Grimes, Trevor Keels, Feron Hunt, and Jericho Sims. Grimes, McBride, and Sims were the headliners, but Hunt left his mark after being signed to a two-way contract in March.
And now that everything’s said and done, it’s time to look back at three storylines from Summer League.
3 takeaways from the Knicks’ Summer League stint in Las Vegas
3: Trevor Keels needs time to develop
Less than a month ago, Trevor Keels was preparing for the draft. And at the age of 18, he just wrapped up his first Summer League experience. Was he a phenom? No. Was he supposed to be a phenom? No.
In New York’s five games, Keels averaged 5.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 2.2 turnovers in 25.9 minutes while shooting 25.6% from the field and 20% from the 3-point line. One of his main critiques entering the draft was his shot.
At 6’4” with a 221-pound frame, the Duke product likes to drive into the lane, which can result in either a forced shot or an open look to a teammate. He needs to work on going with what the defense gives him instead of looking for a shot opportunity that isn’t there.
Keels is strong in transition and has a vision that allows for him to be a good passer. Spending time in Westchester on a two-way should help him tremendously. He wasn’t meant to step onto the scene and dominate.
If he doesn’t show signs of growth, then that’d be the time to step in and evaluate his game, but doing so after a few Summer League contests is pointless.